Aquatic Vegetation

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Maps

No contour map is available for this reservoir. A general information map
is available from sporting goods and tackle stores under the name Highland
Lakes South. Satellite images of the reservoir are available online at www.terraserver.com.

Fishing Regulations

A Triploid Grass Carp Permit is in effect on this lake. If a grass carp is
caught, it must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. All other species
are currently managed with statewide regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Lake Austin contains an excellent population of largemouth bass
bass with the potential for a trophy. Many bass weighing 8-10 pounds are caught each year. The reservoir also has
some good quality bluegill, redbreast, and redear fishing,
and has low-density populations of flathead and blue catfish. Fishing during
the summer months is best done at night due to heavy recreational boating activity
in the daytime.
Anglers should use caution when fishing at night.

Species

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

Largemouth Bass

Catfish

Sunfish

Fishing Cover/Structure

Lake Austin contains a dynamic submerged aquatic vegetation population, which normally provides the main source of cover for fish. Cover is also provided by boulders or rock slides off bluffs and the many boat docks that line the shore of the lake. Several major creeks enter the lake including Bee Creek near the Tom Miller Dam and Bull Creek near the 360 bridge crossing.

Tips & Tactics

Largemouth bass anglers should concentrate their efforts in and along the edges of weed beds that line the shoreline when available. During the summer months (especially on weekends) pleasure boating activity on this reservoir makes fishing from a boat difficult, if not impossible. Anglers should plan trips early in the morning or at night this time of year. Because of the clear water conditions this can be an excellent night fishing lake for bass. Casting white spinnerbaits and topwaters or pitching jigs with heavy bait casting tackle to the weed beds and boat docks often works well. Other popular artificial lures include plastic worms and jerkbaits. For live-bait fishing try minnows suspended under corks along the weedlines. Sight fishing also works well during the spring spawn which occurs February through April, depending on the weather. Because cold water is released from Lake Travis just upstream, bass will spawn later in the year on the upper end of the lake. Look for them in the backs of major creeks, around marinas and in the numerous boat bays that line the lake. Panfishing can also be good along the edge of the weedlines and woody debris using small tube jigs or crickets on light spinning tackle, or small poppers with a fly rod.